Restoring Patient Trust: Effective Strategies for Healthcare Professionals
Until a few decades ago, the U.S. was reported to have the highest recorded medical errors. A Johns Hopkins study further found that medical errors were the third leading cause of death.
A recent study shows that Louisiana has the highest rate of medical malpractice cases in the U.S., while Idaho has the lowest.
While medical malpractice payouts are ballooning, patients are losing faith in a system meant to treat their physical ailments.
Healthcare professionals sometimes bear the brunt of frustrated patients. Yet, as a medical practitioner, winning over a patient’s trust comes down to more than a friendly smile and a reassuring handshake.
Below, we’ll explore strategies for restoring patient confidence in the healthcare system and its physicians.
Be Cogniscent of the Gender Health Gap
For decades women have complained about not receiving the same or delayed treatment as men in a healthcare setting.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) says women spend about 25% of their lives in ill health compared to their male counterparts. This is what is meant by the gender health gap.
It’s a glaring sign that the U.S. healthcare system doesn’t fully meet the needs of women, leading many to skip or delay medical care, notes a Deloitte survey.
Trauma Scars
When women opt for contraceptive methods, sometimes they are worse off. A perfect example of this is the Depo Provera lawsuit .
What was touted as a safe form of birth control led to women reporting severe, life-altering symptoms following prolonged Depo Provera use.
Severe headaches, blood clots, memory issues, and decreased bone density were linked to meningiomas – slow-growing tumors connected to the brain and spinal cord.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic hormone progesterone in Depo Provera injections, is said to be responsible for the reported brain tumors and other significant health risks.
Many required surgical intervention, radiation therapy, or other complex treatments, resulting in lasting physical and emotional damage, and mounting medical bills.
TorHoerman Law says in extreme cases, Depo Provera brain tumors were inoperable, requiring lifelong monitoring and ongoing medical care.
How do you convince a patient who’s been through the wringer to trust the same institution that assured her that her contraceptive injection was safe?
Shared Decision-Making
The first thing you can do is give them back their power. The concept behind shared decision-making empowers patients by actively involving them in their healthcare decisions.
You achieve this by aligning medical evidence with their values and preferences, leading to personalized, effective care. The collaborative approach does much to alleviate the patient’s fears and the paradigm shift deepens the doctor-patient relationship.
How would this look for a traumatized female patient? The method involves exchanging information and discussing treatment options.
Communicate With Empathy
It’s a given that empathy and patient care go hand in hand. However, it’s not always the case. Long shifts, burnout, and no work-life balance can make you forget you’re dealing with humans.
Clear, empathetic communication in healthcare builds trust, improves outcomes, and enhances the patient experience.
PMLiVE reports that the gap between clarity and confusion can have real consequences, especially in health.
As a healthcare provider, your job is to help people stay healthy. Cut through the noise by being accurate, and relevant.
It means simplifying complex information without losing its meaning. Also, acknowledge emotions, and use simple language to make patients feel heard.
Encourage Staff Trust-Building Skills
Prioritizing staff training on trust-building skills lets your team know patient well-being isn’t to be taken lightly.
Focus on active listening, empathy, clear communication, and understanding patient needs.
Emphasize that trust is key to a strong patient-provider relationship. Patients are more likely to follow treatment plans when they feel heard, understood, and respected.
Lead by example and promote a culture of trust within your department. Encourage open communication, transparency, and accountability among your peers.
Turning the Tide on Patient Dissatisfaction
Hospitals and healthcare organizations that want to improve trust and patient outcomes should consider investing in a healthcare communications strategy.
Rebuilding trust shouldn’t only come from physicians and other hospital staff. Shareholders must proactively work towards a common goal. Effective marketing and communication strategies can restore faith in healthcare and counter misinformation.
In the meantime, you can do your part to alleviate patient fears.
Always be conscious of the gender health gap. Empower patients by actively involving them in their treatment plans. Be clear and empathetic when communicating. Prioritize staff training that hones trust-building skills.
There’s no denying that working with difficult patients can take its toll. But, remember that at the end of the day, they’re also human and must be treated with patience and understanding.
